Weekend Intermission – Iona Zajac (UK) – Bang (album)

The Weekend Intermission feature returns after a short break as Dominic J Stevenson runs the rule over Iona Zajac’s debut album ‘Bang’.

‘Bang’ goes the firework that sees Iona Zajac enter the fray.

Many of Iona Zajac’s first long-player collection of songs provide a highlight of the year. ‘Bang’ and its songs arrive late, missing out on top album lists of the year, almost as if a start under the radar was just what was needed, almost escaping the eyes and the hype, easing in, getting comfortably in place. And yet, it is perfectly timed.

Make no mistake; there is iconic quality here in abundance, like observing a new star just appearing in the sky, one that will only burn brighter. It might even be reasonable to expect it to twist and turn and do the unexpected.

The songs zing and burn, scorching their way into the consciousness, each lighting a torch, each a relentless hope, bricks of a foundation upon which something majestic might be built.

Zajac is fully formed, a testament to waiting until the time is right, which it is more than evident that it now is (late twenties in this case). Whether the quiet, the loud, the folky, rocky, somewhere in between in more alternative terrain, or just trying out something else, a jacket to road test before knowing if it truly fits and feels right, it’s all here, vitally effortless.

Zajac is something of a chameleon. She doesn’t look like the same person in any two photo shoots, and her songs similarly match that aesthetic – each with a different look, sound, character. Yet all are her. Strands of her character delivered in breath-taking sonic glory, uplifting, challenging (there are some heavy themes), enticing.

‘Bowls’ kicks things off in sublime fashion, delicious femininity on display – strong, fierce, elegant, beautiful. It’s all here in the opener, causing excitement in the listener that is then clarified in what comes, each track a thrilling look at a world we didn’t know we needed but will now be unable, quite simply, to live without.

The dynamic range of Zajac’s voice is compelling, the songs all fit, and all shimmer and shake, as the road to glory barely has time for the tiniest dip. This is an album full of promise, style, and majesty. It’s impossible not to get swept up in the emotion of it all, a grandiose birth documented, recorded here for all to witness.

Picking highlights on a record this good would be folly. However, it should be stated that the range between ballads and more up-tempo songs is extraordinary, a master of their craft clearly at work here, the dramatic highs and lows immaculately executed.

Forget that it came out late in the year. Here is an album of 2025 for its birth year, for 2026, and for years beyond. A stunning introduction to an artist of immense talent.

(Continues after Spotify link).

Find her on:

Website: https://www.ionazajac.com/